Kukla's Korner Hockey

It’s time to analyze the flurry of activity within the ranks of your beloved Flaming C. Clay Wilson, Derek Smith, Chris Butler, Guillaume “Le Marshmallow” Desbiens, and Pierre-Luc “Don’t call me Mary Kay” Letourneau-Leblond are all household names within their respective communities. These players signed as FA’s or were acquired via trade and are expected to contribute or compete for playing time on the big club this season.

C-Butt (Butler) and PL3 (4 named francophone) are both on 1-ways and will garner serious consideration for jersey numbers not in the high 50’s.

For years now, the Flames have been exciting trade deadline and/or July 1st free agent sweepstakes participants. The new Mr. Feaster era is a refreshing, collective… sigh. Yet, Flames fans should be overjoyed at the new approach and losing out, for instance, on the Brad Richards’ sweepstakes. It’s time to develop from within and let the Tim Erixon’s, Pelech’s, and Chucko’s flourish (elsewhere). Yes indeed I have included 3 recently removed 1st rounders in this discussion. It appears the new regime will try a different approach and the fan’s patience may be tested. Fortunately, the Flaming Horses still have the best fans in the NHL.

The Flames were a real force after Mr. Bean was unceremoniously given the bum’s rush, and have a solid base to build upon. Locking up Gio, Tanguay, Babs-your-Uncle and Scoreface Glencross were all solid moves. Having Craig Conroy in a management position is a real boon as well. It’s only a matter of time before The Feast With the Least (cap space) invests in ear plugs from the incessant chirping in his ear from his Assistant Conny! Well intentioned, passionate about his flock-chirping, of course.

While the changes on paper are minimal, the Flames will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with. Dare I say Top 8? Standard. Win their division? Probably. Provide the best entertainment in the league via pyro and Jumbotechnics? Of course. Should your glass be half full when dealing with the Flaming C? Well if it’s not, drop another $7-$8 and fill’er up!

Share the Love,
Scooter McCarthy

PS-I apologize for not bringing up the woeful Oilers as of yet. -Sir Mullet is indeed back in town. Need I say more?